WELLBEING

St. Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Christmas Appeal 2021

Every family deserves a safe and happy Christmas. The St. Vincent de Paul Society Victorian Christmas Appeal is committed to easing the pressure on struggling families this Christmas and making Christmas a time to renew hope. They continue to provide shelter, food, clothing, financial support, friendship and care for tens of thousands of Victorians and they need YOUR help! 

They are encouraging any families who can donate to help contribute. You can donate:

• Pre-loved goods to your local Vinnies shop
• Non-perishable food items
• Toiletries/hygiene packs
• Toys
• Christmas Hampers

Simply drop them into the St. Vinnies shop in town! All St. Vinnies workers are volunteers - making a small purchase in store can help provide vouchers for food/power for families and help provide a little Christmas spirit.

You can also make a financial donation through this link https://my.fundraiseforvinniesvic.org.au/vinnies-christmas-appeal-2021/donate or perform a simple act of kindness.

If you or someone you love is struggling right now, please call their assistance line on 1800 305 330. Vinnies is always there to help! No eligibility required.

WAYS TO GIVE

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Christmas hampers are a beautiful gift. They are given to individuals and families who have called upon the help of the St Vincent de Paul Society through their local Conference, Youth Programs or Support Service. Our Christmas Hamper shopping list is a suggestion only. You may wish to donate a whole hamper or just provide a few items. Please get in touch with your local Vinnies to determine the needs in your area, and to arrange delivery details. 

A few things to keep in mind:

• Please place food donations into reusable shopping bags (e.g. canvas), as these are most manageable for our members and volunteers and also useful to our recipients.
• To uphold the dignity of those receiving the goods, please ensure that all food items are not due to expire for 6 months. All items must be non perishable.
• Look out for packaged food with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above. The more stars, the better!
• If you would like to donate perishable food items such as chocolates or ham it is best to do so by donating a gift voucher so that families can select what they would like during the holidays.

Christmas Hamper Shopping List

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Your generous gift, whatever the size, will help us provide immediate assistance to those in need during this crisis. Financial gifts can be transformed into much needed groceries, medication, clothing, toiletries and help with bills to keep the lights on during this festive season. 

You can donate directly to the Chrismas Appeal for 2021 at https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-vic/christmas-appeal-vic 

ACTS OF KINDNESS

It’s not only material and financial donations that are needed. Love and kindness are also really needed to instil hope in people who are feeling lonely, anxious and upset. 

You could:

• Write Christmas cards and deliver them to one of our Vinnies services to brighten someone’s day.
• Create handmade Christmas decorations to go in the hampers being provided by St Vincent de Paul this Christmas.
• Do you know someone personally who is struggling? Let them know that St Vincent de Paul is here to help and that they can call the assistance line on 1800 305 330. 

**Adapted from Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2020 - School Information Pack**